GIANT NAMES HOLMES EVP, LAYS OFF 650

LANDOVER, Md. -- Giant Food here last week named Bill Holmes executive vice president and general manager.acquired it five years ago, prepares to retire in July when Giant merges its operations with those of sister chain Stop & Shop, Quincy, Mass.Also as part of the integration, the company said last week that it would eliminate 650 administrative positions at Giant. Some of those employees will be

acquired it five years ago, prepares to retire in July when Giant merges its operations with those of sister chain Stop & Shop, Quincy, Mass.

Also as part of the integration, the company said last week that it would eliminate 650 administrative positions at Giant. Some of those employees will be offered positions at the combined organization, the company said. Store-level positions will not be affected, Giant said.

Holmes, a 39-year veteran of the food-retailing industry, most recently was executive vice president, sales and operations at Stop & Shop. He will report to Marc Smith, president and chief executive officer, Stop & Shop, who will oversee the combined chains.